The feast included a starter of beansprouts and tofu puff, a main course of Malaysian chicken with stir-fried vegetables and noodles, followed by lychees and mango sorbet.

A collection at the end of both nights raised £300 for the Robbie the Robot Appeal, supported by getreading, which aims to raise £1.2 million for an advanced surgical robot at Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.

The play’s director, David Downs, said: “It was a pleasure for me to work with such a talented, dedicated cast. We’ve been working hard in rehearsals for three months.

“Some have gone better than others but towards the time of the dress rehearsal and the two performances, the cast rose to the occasion and performed brilliantly.

“I wouldn’t want to pick out any one particular person. They were word perfect and their movement on stage and diction was top class.

“Purley is a wonderful little community and I am delighted to say we have raised a wonderful amount of money for the Robbie the Robot Appeal.”

Purley Players will be back on stage performing Jack And The Beanstalk from January 26-28.

For more information and to get involved in the group, call Gerry Hiscock on (0118) 941 8715.